Conference Center Sales Manager

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is a multifaceted cultural institution dedicated to enriching the community through arts, education, and events. As a premier venue located in Escondido, California, the Center serves as a hub for a diverse array of cultural and community activities, ranging from art exhibitions and theater performances to conferences and public gatherings. The Center's Conference Center department plays a pivotal role in facilitating events and meetings that support the cultural fabric and economic vitality of the region. The Center takes pride in fostering a stimulating and inclusive environment where creativity and community engagement flourish. It is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming workplace that values diversity and inclusion.

The Conference Center Sales Coordinator position is a full-time role reporting to the Director of Sales, offering an hourly salary between $25 and $29, commensurate with experience and qualifications, and includes eligibility for bonuses. This role is integral to the successful planning, coordination, and execution of all facility rentals and events held at the Conference Center. The Sales Coordinator functions as the primary point of contact for rental inquiries, actively engaging in outside sales efforts to attract new business opportunities. Key responsibilities include managing and maintaining rental bookings through systems such as Caterease and Artifax, ensuring smooth communication among departments such as Banquets, Facilities, and Housekeeping, and overseeing detailed event planning aspects from initial client contact to final settlement.

This position demands a dynamic individual with a strong background in catering and conference center sales or public facility management. A profound understanding of culinary operations, banquet food production, and sales lead generation is essential. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in contract and proposal negotiations, sales office management systems, and possesses excellent communication abilities both written and verbal. Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Suites, alongside specialized software like Caterease and Artifax, is required to efficiently handle various administrative and operational tasks.

Beyond the administrative and sales functions, the Sales Coordinator also plays an active role in operational support by assisting with site tours, reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, managing project feedback, and acting as a liaison on event days to ensure outstanding customer service. This multifaceted role requires self-motivation, independent work capability, and exceptional time management skills.

The position also entails physical demands including the ability to lift or move up to 30 pounds occasionally, and requires specific vision abilities such as close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The working environment spans office and front desk settings, with variable noise levels, and exposure to indoor and outdoor event conditions.

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. This role is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about event sales and management within a thriving cultural arts center. It offers a chance to contribute significantly to the community’s cultural scene while advancing a rewarding career in hospitality and events management.